Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was reelected to the top post in the House in a stunning floor vote on the opening day of Congress on Friday, securing the gavel on the first ballot.

But the vote did not come without drama. Reps. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Keith Self (R-Texas) had initially voted for candidates other than Johnson — Norman voted for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Self voted for Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.).

The Clerk, though, held open the vote. And after negotiations with Johnson, Norman and Self made their way to the front of the chamber and switched to support Johnson.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Johnson’s biggest antagonist who has criticized his moves over the last year on spending, was the only Republican to vote for a candidate other than Johnson, casting his ballot for GOP Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.)

Lawmakers lined up to shake Johnson's hand and hug him after Norman and Self changed their votes.

The vote is also a victory for President-elect Trump, who had endorsed Johnson and was instrumental in rallying Republicans around the Speaker. Several members had warned that a delay in electing the Speaker could have complicated certification on Jan. 6.

“A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party, and yet another acknowledgment of our 129 year most consequential Presidential Election!! - A BIG AFFIRMATION, INDEED. MAGA!” Trump posted on Truth Social Friday morning.

The Speaker could not have afforded another defection on the House floor and secured the gavel with the slim House GOP majority, which has 219 Republicans to 215 Democrats. Every House Democrat........

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